When it comes to shopping for the dress, there are many things to take into consideration: satin or lace, princess-style ball gown or sexy sheath? However, most important is: What style gown looks best on your body type. The right dress can make you look inches taller or pounds lighter—it’s all about balance, and creating the right silhouette. So whether you’re a curvy bride, or a long tall Sally, read on to find your perfect dress (and accessories too!).
Apple-shaped
Your bridal bod: You are a curvy girl, top-heavy with a full bust and round midsection.
Your challenge: Create strong shapes and clean lines that downplay any obvious roundness.
Your dream dress: An elegant gown with an empire waist is definitely your best friend! Structure on top keeps the girls in check, while a flowing skirt skims over your tummy and hips. The traditional ball gown is also a great option for your figure; a voluminous skirt hides a multitude of sins!
Your perfect accessory: Avoid chunky chokers that will foreshorten your neck. Instead, choose eye-catching chandelier earrings.
Pear-shaped
Your bridal bod: You are bottom-heavy with full hips and thighs, and a slender upper body.
Your challenge: Strike a balance between your small shoulders and breasts, and your shapely bottom half.
Your dream dress: A classic A-line gown with a scoop or v-neck will disguise your hips while drawing the eye upward to your décolletage.
Your perfect accessory: A dramatic beaded necklace nestled right at your collarbone continues to emphasize your upper body.
Tall and Thin
Your bridal bod: You have long, lean limbs, small breasts, narrow hips and waist.
Your challenge: Create the illusion of curves on your straight and narrow frame.
Your dream dress: A sleek and sophisticated sheath, with a cinched waist and ruffles or embellishment around the face, shows off your fantastic physique while fashioning a faux hourglass silhouette.
Your perfect accessory: Opt for a colourful satin sash with brooch detail to emphasize your waist, or draw attention to a swooping neckline with a long strand of pearls.
Petite
Your bridal bod: You are characterized by your shorter stature, but you may actually have any of the body types described in this article.
Your challenge: Add vertical inches, of course!
Your dream dress: A sexy mermaid dress with a bit of a train will elongate your figure and play up your curves. You also might want to show a little bit of leg in a flirty cocktail-length number. Many bridal designers have been showing retro-style dresses for fall.
Your perfect accessory: A pair of killer heels, obviously! Invest in a glam, bejewelled pair of stilettos and keep everything else minimal. You don’t want to overwhelm your small frame.
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Posted by Jessica on May 17, 2010 at 3:43 p.m.
I've got an hour glass figure and am a bit big at size 12, and 5'7" in height. I had a terrible time finding a flattering gown that I liked. I'm a little dissapointed that this article doesn't cover my body shape.
Posted by Leila on June 11, 2010 at 12:43 a.m.
I have a small bust, heavy hips and love handles... usually wear about a size 8-10ish.... what style of dress will work with my body?
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